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Americans are Still Too Fat

November 20, 2016

Plain English Version

A lot of effort went into trying to get people to eat less fattening foods and drinks. It has not paid off. If anything, the number of adult women who are obese is rising slightly. The numbers below show that Asians are the least obese. Minority women are the most obese.

In 2004, the number of obese adults was 32 percent. Here are some of the numbers from a 2014 study:

The obesity rate among adults rose to 38 percent.

Black women had an obesity rate of 57 percent.

Hispanic women had an obesity rate of 46 percent.

White women had an obesity rate of 36 percent.

Asians had an obesity rate of 12 percent.

Experts are at a loss to explain what has caused the increases in obesity rates. There is some good news. The obesity rate of children is steady at 17 percent.

An expert said Americans are eating more fiber; fewer trans fats and they are drinking less soda. However, these changes are not taking place in lower-income homes. Or in less educated households.

Experts do not hide their disappointment. They were hoping that with less sugar and soda consumed, there would be a leveling off of adult obesity.

Waist size is another measure of being too heavy. Guidelines for women are a waist size of 35 inches and higher. In men, it is a waist size of 40 inches or higher.